I think they are trying to distinguish themselves from Spiers and Boden, as opposed to being a big band version of the duo, so in that way maybe they are trying to be 'different'. Also there are more songs arranged by different band members who are not from such a folky background as Spiers and Boden, therefore the change may be less intentional.

Fakenham Fair is indeed superb and I will probably come to love a lot of the other songs. Either way its difficult to follow such a great album as Burlesque!